JUMBO Group fast-tracks skills certification of more than 200 employees

"By streamlining training and recognising the skills our people already have, we have significantly reduced training costs and boosted productivity", Group CEO Ang Kiam Meng comments.

JUMBO Group of Restaurants has made progress in workforce development by earning the Workplace Learning Ready (WPL:READY) Mark and fast-tracking its employees' skills certification through the Workplace Skills Recognition (WPSR) programme.

It is said to be the first company to do so.

According to a press release, the initiative, led by Nanyang Polytechnic’s (NYP) National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning (NACE) and supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), has saved JUMBO Group more than 2,200 man-hours and significantly reduced training costs by utilising an innovative, in-house assessment method.

As part of the WPSR programme, JUMBO Group collaborated with NACE to review and validate their workplace learning practices, culminating in the WPL:READY Mark achievement. This certification enabled JUMBO to fast-track the Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) in "Maintain Safe and Secure Work Environment" for more than 200 employees through the Assessment-only Pathway (AOP), which allows employees to be assessed and certified at their workplace. This method not only saved on training costs and time but also addressed staffing challenges within the F&B industry by minimising operational disruptions. 

Launched in June 2023, the WPSR programme addresses operational disruptions caused by external training, a significant issue for SMEs with limited manpower. By supporting workplace learning, WPSR allows workers’ skills to be recognised and certified on-site by SSG-appointed training providers, with the goal to save employers time and money. 

Initially piloted in the Food Services and Retail sectors, with about 100 companies showing interest and 15, including JUMBO Group, attaining the WPL:READY Mark, the programme expanded to all sectors on 1 March 2024 following its successful pilot.

Ang Kiam Meng, Group Chief Executive Officer, JUMBO Group of Restaurants, expressed: "Our commitment to investing in our employees through the WPSR programme has resulted in tangible benefits for both our employees and our company. By streamlining training and recognising the skills our people already
have, we have significantly reduced training costs and boosted productivity.

"This approach not only helps us retain our employees, but also keeps our operations running smoothly and minimises operational disruptions."

READ MORE: APRW launches training programme aiming to fast-track career development for full-time employees 

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